Russia prepares for Iraq pullout

[NewGuy]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3624847.stm

Last Updated: Wednesday, 14 April, 2004, 10:13 GMT 11:13 UK
Russia prepares for Iraq pullout

The Russian government has offered to airlift more than 800 of its nationals and former Soviet citizens out of Iraq.
The operation will begin on Thursday and involve people working for Russian contractors in Iraq.

The move comes after three Russians and five Ukrainians were briefly kidnapped in the country on Monday.

Russia is among a number of governments who have advised their citizens to leave Iraq amid the growing insecurity and wave of abductions.

Some 40 foreigners have been abducted since last week.

Russian energy firm Tekhnopromexport accepted the evacuation offer, while another top contractor, Interenergoservis, says most of its employees might stay.

At risk

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said "it was up to the companies to decide" whether to join the evacuation.
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